Tampon applicator assembly

ABSTRACT

A tampon applicator assembly having a barrel, a plunger, and a pledget is provided. The barrel has an insertion tip, a main section, and a finger grip. The main section can have a maximum outer dimension located closer to the finger grip than to the insertion tip and/or can have a main section taper ratio of about 1.07 to about 1.15. The insertion tip can have a taper ratio of more than about 0.66 and/or a plurality of petals with a petal length-to-width ratio over about 2 to less than about 3.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. applicationSer. No. 10/407,855 filed on Apr. 4, 2003, the contents of which areincorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention is related to a tampon applicator assembly.More particularly, the present invention is related to an improvedtampon applicator assembly that increases the ease of use and usercomfort.

[0004] 2. Description of Related Art

[0005] A tampon applicator assembly is used to inject an absorbent orhygienic material, known as a tampon pledget, into a vaginal cavity.Commercial tampon applicator assemblies typically have a barrel and aplunger used to expel a pledget housed in the barrel.

[0006] The use of such assemblies requires a user to grip the barrel andguide it easily into the vaginal cavity. This is particularly importantsince a portion or all of the assembly is out of a direct line of sightof the user during insertion. Accordingly, an assembly that is difficultto grip and control can hinder proper and comfortable delivery of thepledget.

[0007] Another problem associated with a difficult to grip and controlassembly is that the user often applies excessive gripping force on thebarrel to compensate for the lack of gripability. This excessive forcemay partially deform and damage the barrel and/or plunger, therebydistorting the assembly and obstructing the normal pathway of thepledget therefrom. As a result, the user may be required to apply asignificant amount of force to eject the pledget from the assembly,which may result in discomfort to the user.

[0008] Many factors combine to increase the comfort of the user duringthe use of tampon applicator assemblies. For example, the user's comfortcan be affected by one or more ease factors. These ease actors caninclude the ease with which: the assembly is inserted into the vagina,the pledget is expelled from the assembly, and the spent assembly isremoved from the vagina. Thus, there is a need to provide improvedtampon applicator assemblies, which increase the user's comfort byaddressing one or more of the aforementioned ease factors.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] It is an object of the present invention to provide an easy touse tampon applicator assembly, which is easy to grip and control duringinsertion and removal of the applicator assembly, as well as duringexpulsion of the pledget.

[0010] It is another object to provide a tampon applicator assemblyhaving petals with a length-to-width ratio that facilitates expulsion ofthe pledget.

[0011] It is yet another object to provide a tampon applicator assemblyhaving a plunger with one or more tapered ends to facilitate expulsionof the pledget.

[0012] It is a further object of the present invention to provide atampon applicator assembly having a barrel with tapered tip and atapered main section, which facilitates insertion and removal of theapplicator assembly.

[0013] It is still a further object of the present invention to providea tampon applicator assembly having a barrel with a finger grip having ashoulder and a flare, which facilitates insertion and removal of theapplicator assembly.

[0014] These and other objects of the present invention are provided bya tampon applicator assembly having a barrel, a plunger, and a pledget.The barrel has an insertion tip, a main section, and a finger grip. Themain section has a maximum outer dimension located closer to the fingergrip than to the insertion tip.

[0015] The present invention also provides a tampon applicator assemblyhaving a barrel, a plunger, and a pledget. The barrel has an insertiontip, a main section, and a finger grip, in which the main section has ataper ratio of about 1.07 to about 1.15.

[0016] The present invention also provides a tampon applicator assemblyin which the finger grip has a gripping region disposed between ashoulder region and a flared region. The shoulder and flared regions areabout 10% to about 30% larger than the gripping region.

[0017] A tampon applicator assembly is also provided in which theinsertion tip has a plurality of petals and an insertion tip having ataper ratio of more than about 0.66.

[0018] In addition, the present invention provides a tampon applicatorassembly in which the insertion tip has a plurality of petals with apetal length-to-width ratio of over about 2 to less than about 3.

[0019] The above-described and other features and advantages of thepresent invention will be appreciated and understood by those skilled inthe art from the following detailed description, drawings, and appendedclaims

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020]FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a tamponapplicator assembly according to the present invention;

[0021]FIG. 2 is a side view of the assembly of FIG. 1 during expulsionof the pledget;

[0022]FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the barrel of FIG. 2;

[0023]FIG. 4 is a side view of the barrel of FIG. 1; and

[0024]FIG. 5 is a side view of the plunger of FIGS. 1 and 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] Referring now to the figures and more particularly to FIGS. 1 and2, an exemplary embodiment of an improved tampon applicator assemblygenerally represented by reference numeral 10 is illustrated. Theimproved assembly 10 is easier to insert, use, and remove than priortampon applicator assemblies.

[0026] Assembly 10 has a pledget 12, a barrel 14, and a plunger 16.Pledget 12 is disposed in barrel 14. Pledget 12 has a withdrawal cord 18connected thereto, which extends through barrel 14 and plunger 16, andout of assembly 10.

[0027] Barrel 14 is sub-divided into three sections, namely an insertiontip 20, a main section 22, and a finger grip 24. Insertion tip 20defines a first end 26 of barrel 14, while finger grip 24 terminates ata second end 28 of the barrel.

[0028] Plunger 16 can expel pledget 12 from barrel 14. For example,first end 26 can have a number or a plurality of petals 30 disposedabout the end. Petals 30 open as shown in FIG. 2 upon application of apredetermined expulsion force by pledget 12. For example, petals 30 canopen with an expulsion force of between about 8 ounces and about 40ounces.

[0029] Plunger 16 is slidably disposed in barrel 14 at second end 28.Pledget 12 is expelled through first end 26 through the movement ofplunger 16 in the direction of arrow 32. As plunger 16 moves in thedirection of arrow 32, the plunger can urge pledget 12 into petals 30until the petals open and the pledget is expelled from barrel 14 throughfirst end 26.

[0030] Petals 30 are defined in insertion tip 20 by a number orplurality of slits 34. It should be recognized that insertion tip 20 ofbarrel 14 is illustrated by way of example as including four petals 30.Of course, insertion tip 20 having more or less than four petals 30 iscontemplated by the present invention. For example, insertion tip 20 canhave between about 2 to about 6 petals, preferably between about 3 toabout 5 petals, more preferably about 4 petals.

[0031] Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, insertion tip 20 and main section22 intersect at a first plane 36, while the main section and finger grip24 intersect at a second plane 38.

[0032] When in a closed position (FIG. 1), petals 30 collectivelyprovide insertion tip 20 with a shape that facilitates insertion.Through both qualitative and quantitative consumer research, it has beendetermined that providing insertion tip 20 with a taper greatly enhancesthe actual and perceived level of comfort associated with insertingbarrel 14 of assembly 10.

[0033] Insertion tip 20 has a length 40 and an outer dimension 42.Length 40 is defined as the distance between first plane 36 and firstend 26. Outer dimension 42 is tapered (e.g., decreases along length 40),linearly or non-linearly, from a maximum at first plane 36 to a minimumat first end 26. The taper of insertion tip 20 is defined as a ratio oflength 40 of insertion tip 20 divided by the maximum outer dimension ofthe tip. The maximum outer dimension of insertion tip 20 is outerdimension 42 at first plane 36. Preferably, insertion tip 20 has a taperratio of between about 0.55 and about 1.6, more preferably more thanabout 0.66. For example, in a preferred embodiment insertion tip 20 hasa taper ratio of between about 0.66 and about 1.6, more preferablybetween about 0.7 and about 0.9.

[0034] Each petal 30 has a length 44 and a width 46. Preferably,insertion tip 20 has a petal length-to-width ratio is about 0.8 to about3, more preferably over about 2 to less than about 3. As used herein,the petal length-to-width ratio is defined as length 44 divided by width46. In a first exemplary embodiment, insertion tip 20 has three petals30 and a petal length-to-width ratio of about 0.95. In an alternateexemplary embodiment, insertion tip 20 has six petals 30 and a petallength-to-width ratio of about 2.05.

[0035] Each petal 30 also has a thickness 45. Thickness 45 can beconstant across length 44 of the petals. Alternately, thickness 45 canvary along length 44 of the petals. Generally, thickness 45 isproportional to the petal length-to-width ratio. For example, thickness45 is larger for petals 30 having a large petal length-to-width ratio.

[0036] Further, it has been determined that providing main section 22with a taper can also enhance the actual and perceived level of comfortassociated with inserting barrel 14 of assembly 10.

[0037] Main section 22 has a length 48 and an outer dimension 50, whichdefines the maximum outer dimension of barrel 14. Length 48 is definedas the distance between first and second planes 36, 38. Outer dimension50 is tapered (e.g., decreases along length 48), linearly ornon-linearly, from a maximum outer dimension 50 at second plane 38 to aminimum outer dimension 42 at first plane 36.

[0038] The taper of main section 22 is defined as a ratio of dimension50 at second plane 38 divided by dimension 42 at first plane 36.Preferably, main section 22 has a taper ratio of about 1.07 to about1.15, and more preferably about 1.08 to about 1.13.

[0039] Barrel 14 has an overall length 52, which is defined as thedistance between first and second ends 26, 28 as illustrated in FIG. 1.Second plane 38 is preferably located closer to second end 28 than tofirst end 26. Namely, second plane 38 and, thus, the maximum outerdimension of main section 22 (e.g., dimension 50) is located on barrel14 more than half of overall length 52 from first end 26. Preferably,second plane 38 is located about 55% to about 85% of overall length 52from first end 26, more preferably about 60% to about 75%.

[0040] This tapering of main section 22 facilitates insertion comfort bygradually parting the vulva-vaginal channel over a longer length ofbarrel 14 than that of only insertion tip 20.

[0041] It has also been determined that providing assembly 10 withfinger grip 24 can enhance the actual and perceived level of comfortassociated with inserting barrel 14 of assembly 10, expelling pledget 12from the barrel, and removing the barrel.

[0042] Finger grip 24 is bounded by a shoulder region 54 and a flaredregion 56, which define a gripping region 58 therebetween. Shoulderregion 54 intersects main section 22 at second plane 38 and intersectsgripping region 58 at a third plane 60. Similarly, flared region 56intersects gripping region 58 at a fourth plane 62 and terminates atsecond end 28.

[0043] Shoulder region 54 provides a firm grip surface during insertionof barrel 14 into the vaginal vault. Flared region 56 provides a firmgrip surface during expulsion of pledget 12 from barrel 14, as well asduring removal of the barrel from the body. Thus, regions 54, 56 canmitigate slipping of the user's fingers from gripping region 58.

[0044] Gripping region 58 may be concave, convex, flat, or anycombinations thereof and has a length 64. Length 64 is defined as thedistance between third and forth planes 60, 62. Length 64 is about 13 mm(0.5 inches) to about 25 mm (1 inch), more preferably about 17 mm (0.67inches) to about 21 mm (0.83 inches), with about 19 mm (0.75 inches)being the most preferred.

[0045] Gripping region 58 has an outer dimension 66, which issubstantially smaller than the outer dimension of regions 54, 56 atleast at one plane along length 64. Gripping region 58 may be uniform incross-sectional shape or area along length 64. By way of example, outerdimension 66 can be about 4.5 millimeters (mm) (0.175 inches) to about20.5 mm (0.80 inches), more preferably about 11.5 mm (0.45 inches).

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, shoulder region 54 has a maximumouter dimension 50 at second plane 38, while flared region 56 has amaximum outer dimension 68 at second end 28. Outer dimension 50 ofshoulder region 54 may be the same as or different from outer dimension68 of flared region 56.

[0047] Preferably, outer dimensions 50 or 68 are each larger than outerdimension 66. Outer dimension 50 is preferably about 10% to about 30%larger than outer dimension 66, more preferably about 25% larger.Further, outer dimension 68 is preferably about 10% to about 30% largerthan outer dimension 66, more preferably about 15% larger.

[0048] Gripping region 58 may also include one or more grippingstructures 70 to improve gripability of barrel 14. Suitable grippingstructures 70 include, for example, one or more and preferably two ormore, embossments, protuberances, slits, grooves, louvers, perforations,lances, abrasive medium, high wet coefficient of friction materials,pressure sensitive adhesives, or any combinations thereof. In addition,gripping structures 70 may be formed in any shape, including, forexample, arc, circle, concave, cone, convex, diamond, line, oval,polygon, rectangle, rib, square, triangle, or any combinations thereof.

[0049] Plunger 16 is described with reference to FIG. 5. Plunger 16 hasa first end 72, a main body 74, and a second end 76. In use, a userapplies a force on second end 76 to move plunger 16 in barrel 14 asdescribed above so that first end 72 acts on pledget 12.

[0050] Main body 74 has a cross-sectional shape, which is receivedwithin barrel 14 at second end 28. Preferably, main body 74 has an outerdimension 78 of at least about 4 mm (0.157 inches), with about 8.0 mm(0.315 inches) being preferred. In addition, it is preferred that outerdimension 78 of main body 74 be constant along the length of the mainbody to facilitate the transmission force from second end 76 to firstend 72.

[0051] First end 72 facilitates distribution of force from plunger 16 topledget 12. Additionally, first end 72 prevents plunger 16 fromseparating from barrel 16 through second end 28. Accordingly, first end72 has an outer dimension 80, which is larger than outer dimension 78 ofmain body 72 and larger than outer dimension 68 of second end 28.

[0052] Second end 76 has an outer dimension 82, which is sized toreceive the finger of a user. Accordingly, outer dimension 82 ispreferably larger than outer dimension 78 of main body 74. For example,outer dimension 82 can be about 10% to about 25% larger than outerdimension 78 of main body 72, more preferably outer dimension 82 isabout 15% larger than outer dimension 78. For example, outer dimension82 of second end 76 can be about 10.4 mm (0.41 inches) and outerdimension 78 of main body 72 can be about 9 mm (0.35 inches).

[0053] Second end 76 can have a gradual enlargement or taper from outerdimension 78 to outer dimension 82, such as a trumpet shape.Alternately, second end 76 can have an abrupt enlargement from outerdimension 78 to outer dimension 82, such as an abrupt ledge. Plunger 16can be formed by any suitable method, such as, molding and extrusion. Inaddition, outer dimensions 80 and 82 can be provided on plunger 16 bymethods, such as, but not limited to, molding, post-forming, rolling, orattaching an additional piece to the plunger.

[0054] It is contemplated by the present invention that outer dimension68 of barrel 14 be the same as, smaller than, or larger than outerdimension 82 of plunger 16. Preferably, outer dimension 68 of barrel 14is the same as outer dimension 82 of plunger 16.

[0055] Assembly 10 provides a combination of features, which achieveconsumer benefits unavailable in prior assemblies. For example, assembly10 is easily and comfortably inserted into the body. Here, the tapers ofinsertion tip 20 and main section 22 combine to gradually part thevulva-vaginal channel, while shoulder region 54 of finger grip 24provides the user with a firm grip on barrel 14.

[0056] Additionally, assembly 10 increases the comfort of the user byproviding an assembly from which pledget 12 can be easily expelled. Thecombination of the petal ratio, the length-to-width ratio of petals 30,and the outer dimensions of first and second ends 72, 74 of plunger 16all combine to increase the ease and comfort of expelling pledget 12from barrel 14. Further, flared region 56 of finger grip 24 provides theuser with a firm grip on barrel 14 during the expulsion of the pledget12 from the barrel.

[0057] Further, assembly 10 is easily and comfortably removed from thebody. Again, the tapers of insertion tip 20 and main section 22, as wellas flared region 56 of finger grip 24 combine to increase the ease,comfort, and grip during the removal of assembly 10.

[0058] Suitable materials for forming barrel 14 and/or plunger 16include, for example, biopolymer, cardboard, heat shrink plastic, paperslurry, plastic, plastic tubing, pulp slurry, pulp-molded paper, or anycombinations thereof. By way of example, barrel 14 can be formed oflow-density polyethylene (LDPE) and plunger 16 can be formed of axiallyoriented high-density polyethylene (HDPE). In addition, barrel 14 and/orplunger 16 may be coated with a coating material to reduce frictionand/or increase strength. Suitable coating materials include, forexample, cellophane, cellulose, epoxy, lacquer, nitrocellulose, nylon,plastic, polyester, polylactide, polyolefin, polyvinyl alcohol,polyvinyl chloride, silicone, wax, or any combinations thereof.

[0059] It should be recognized that barrel 14 and plunger 16 can haveany cross-sectional shape, such as circular and non-circular, includingoval or polygonal shapes. In the embodiments where barrel 14 and plunger16 have a circular cross sectional shaped the outer dimensions of thesecomponents are the outer diameters thereof. Furthermore, it iscontemplated by the present invention for the cross-sectional shape tovary along the length of barrel 14 and/or plunger 16. For example,barrel 14 can have a circular insertion tip 20, an ovoid main section22, and a polygonal finger grip 24.

[0060] It should also be noted that the terms “first”, “second”, and“third” and the like may be used herein to modify various elements.These modifiers do not imply a spatial, sequential, or hierarchicalorder to the modified elements unless specifically stated.

[0061] While the present invention has been described with reference toone or more exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by thoseskilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents maybe substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope ofthe invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt aparticular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosurewithout departing from the scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended thatthe present invention not be limited to the particular embodiment(s)disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention,but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within thescope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A tampon applicator assembly comprising: a barrelhaving a main section disposed between an insertion tip and a fingergrip, said finger grip having a gripping region disposed between a firstregion and a second region; a plunger being slidably received in saidbarrel; and a pledget being disposed in said barrel between saidinsertion tip and said plunger so that a force applied on said plungerexpels said pledget from said barrel at said insertion end, wherein saidfirst and second regions each have an outer dimension that is about 10%to about 30% larger than an outer dimension of said gripping region. 2.The assembly as in claim 1, wherein said outer dimensions of said firstand second regions are equal or different in size.
 3. The assembly as inclaim 1, wherein said outer dimension of said first region is about 25%larger than said outer dimension of said gripping region.
 4. Theassembly as in claim 1, wherein said outer dimension of said secondregion is about 15% larger than said outer dimension of said grippingregion.
 5. The assembly as in claim 1, wherein said main section has amaximum outer dimension located closer to said finger grip than to saidinsertion tip.
 6. The assembly as in claim 1, wherein said main sectionhas a taper of about 1.07 to about 1.15.
 7. The assembly as in claim 1,wherein said insertion tip further comprises a plurality of petals. 8.The assembly as in claim 7, wherein said insertion tip has a taper ratioof between about 0.66 and about 1.6.
 9. The assembly as in claim 7,wherein said plurality of petals have a petal length-to-width ratio ofabout 0.8 to about
 3. 10. The assembly as in claim 9, wherein said petallength-to-width ratio is over about
 2. 11. A tampon applicator assemblycomprising: a barrel having a main section disposed between an insertiontip and a finger grip, said main section having a maximum outerdimension located closer to said finger grip than to said insertion tip;a plunger being slidably received in said barrel; and a pledget beingdisposed in said barrel between said insertion tip and said plunger sothat a force applied on said plunger expels said pledget from saidbarrel at said insertion end.
 12. The assembly as in claim 11, whereinsaid maximum outer dimension is located from said insertion tip about55% to 85% of an overall length of said barrel.
 13. The assembly as inclaim 12, wherein said maximum outer dimension is located from saidinsertion tip about 60% to 75% of said overall length of said barrel.14. The assembly as in claim 11, wherein said main section has a mainsection taper ratio of about 1.07 to about 1.15.
 15. The assembly as inclaim 14, wherein said main section taper ratio is about 1.08 to about1.13.
 16. The assembly as in claim 11, wherein said insertion tipfurther comprises a plurality of petals.
 17. The assembly as in claim11, wherein said insertion tip has a taper ratio of between about 0.66and about 1.6.
 18. The assembly as in claim 17, wherein said taper ratiois between about 0.7 and about 0.9.
 19. The assembly as in claim 16,wherein said plurality of petals have a petal length-to-width ratio ofabout 0.8 to about
 3. 20. The assembly as in claim 19, wherein saidpetal length-to-width ratio is over about
 2. 21. A tampon applicatorassembly comprising: a barrel having a main section disposed between aninsertion tip and a finger grip, said main section having a main sectiontaper ratio of about 1.07 to about 1.15; a plunger being slidablyreceived in said barrel; and a pledget being disposed in said barrelbetween said insertion tip and said plunger so that a force applied onsaid plunger expels said pledget from said barrel at said insertion end.22. The assembly as in claim 21, wherein said main section taper ratiois about 1.08 to about 1.13.
 23. The assembly as in claim 21, whereinsaid main section has a maximum outer dimension located closer to saidfinger grip than to said insertion tip.
 24. The assembly as in claim 23,wherein said maximum outer dimension is located from said insertion tipabout 55% to 85% of an overall length of said barrel.
 25. The assemblyas in claim 21, wherein said finger grip has a gripping region disposedbetween a first region and a second region, said first and secondregions each having an outer dimension that is about 10% to about 30%larger than an outer dimension of said gripping region.
 26. The assemblyas in claim 21, wherein said insertion tip further comprises a pluralityof petals.
 27. The assembly as in claim 26, wherein said plurality ofpetals have a petal length-to-width ratio of about 0.8 to about
 3. 28.The assembly as in claim 27, wherein said petal length-to-width ratio isover about
 2. 29. The assembly as in claim 21, wherein said insertiontip has a taper ratio of between about 0.66 and about 1.6.
 30. Theassembly as in claim 29, wherein said taper ratio is between about 0.7and about 0.9.
 31. A tampon applicator assembly comprising: a barrelhaving a main section disposed between an insertion tip and a fingergrip, said insertion tip having a plurality of petals and a taper ratioof more than about 0.66; a plunger being slidably received in saidbarrel; and a pledget being disposed in said barrel between saidinsertion tip and said plunger so that a force applied on said plungeropens said plurality of petals to expel said pledget from said barrel atsaid insertion end.
 32. The assembly as in claim 31, wherein said mainsection has a maximum outer dimension located closer to said finger gripthan to said insertion tip.
 33. The assembly as in claim 31, whereinsaid main section has a main section taper ratio of about 1.08 to about1.13.
 34. The assembly as in claim 31, wherein said finger grip has agripping region disposed between a first region and a second region,said gripping region having an outer dimension that is smaller than anouter dimension of each of said first and second regions.
 35. Theassembly as in claim 31, wherein said plurality of petals have a petallength-to-width ratio of about 0.8 to about
 3. 36. The assembly as inclaim 35, wherein said petal length-to-width ratio is over about
 2. 37.A tampon applicator assembly comprising: a barrel having a main sectiondisposed between an insertion tip and a finger grip, said insertion tiphaving a plurality of petals, said plurality of petals having a petallength-to-width ratio over about 2 to about 3; a plunger being slidablyreceived in said barrel; and a pledget being disposed in said barrelbetween said insertion tip and said plunger so that a force applied onsaid plunger opens said plurality of petals to expel said pledget fromsaid barrel at said insertion end.
 38. The assembly as in claim 37,wherein said main section has a maximum outer dimension located closerto said finger grip than to said insertion tip.
 39. The assembly as inclaim 38, wherein said maximum outer dimension is located from saidinsertion tip about 55% to 85% of an overall length of said barrel. 40.The assembly as in claim 37, wherein said main section has a mainsection taper ratio of about 1.08 to about 1.13.
 41. The assembly as inclaim 37, wherein said finger grip has a gripping region disposedbetween a first region and a second region, said gripping region havingan outer dimension that is smaller than an outer dimension of each ofsaid first and second regions.
 42. The assembly as in claim 37, whereinsaid insertion tip has a taper ratio of more than about 0.66.
 43. Theassembly as in claim 42, wherein said taper ratio is between about 0.7and 0.9.